The last operational heritage red-box payphone in service in South Australia has received a facelift to restore it to its former glory.

A group of volunteers has made the iconic red telephone box on High Street, Strathalbyn a special project.

It was last restored in the 1980s, and after 40 years was in much need of repairs. 

The volunteer group set out to remove old paint, repair the rotted timber, reinstall an original door, repaint the interior and exterior, install new windows and recommission the telephone box back into full operation. 

Alexandrina Council provided materials for the restoration, at a cost of approximately $1,500. 

The telephone box is owned by the council although the actual phone is owned by Telstra, which was supportive of the restoration. 

The project took the group approximately 150 hours to complete, beginning in April and completing it in June 2022. 

The completed restoration brought to life the iconic red exterior and restored the interior with a sporadic dark green on pale green pattern. 

History suggests the green pattern was introduced in the original design to deter graffiti as many of the markings wouldn’t clearly show compared to a solid colour background. 

The volunteers say that throughout the project, there were a number of conversations from passers-by about how people still use payphones. 

It was the general consensus that they still continue to play an important role as they are useful in emergencies, for children without mobile phones and though not often noticed, an important part of the streetscape. 

The restored telephone box is now open to the public.